“First and foremost, it's really just about the fun that we have when we get together and jam,” said Hernandez. “Our shows are so few and far between that we miss it, big-time, and we really want to keep it up for ourselves and the fans.”

The band's lead singer only recently moved back from Seattle. That the band was back was evident at Saluté's emotional closing night last summer.

“We fall right back into those grooves,” Villela explained. “It's about 80 percent muscle memory, pretty much. We've played for so long together.”

Time is relative, however. Sexto Sol formed in the late '90s. Garibay's earliest gigs date to the '60s. Gonzalez is a '50s cat. It's a mutual admiration society.

“I can't wait. I'm a huge fan of the lineup,” Villela added. “Sexto Sol is back. Everybody has their own special twist.”

He performed at the Maverick Music Festival at La Villita last week. “Gary Clark Jr. just blew me away,” Villela said. “He definitely came to the table. I loved it.”

Hernandez, who plays with Man-Eaters of Tsavo, the Suzy Bravo Soul Revue, Vincent Valdez and Sun-Day, admits Sexto Sol is probably his most satisfying project.

“The Chicano roots element that we have going makes it more special than the other things that I've got going on,” he said. “It's the classic feel. I've always been a sucker for the earlier sounds, the classic stuff. With this group, we get to that.

“Plus, this show is really special because we get to play with our mentors.”

Sexto Sol was on the leading edge of the current Latino rock wave that began almost 15 years ago. Back then, the band was a voice in the wilderness.

“I did anticipate it. I thought it was going to happen a long time ago,” Hernandez said. “Now, the explosion has gotten bigger. It's a little sad because when we were at our height, it wasn't so strong.”

Fans of the Arturo “Sauce” Gonzalez Quintet can catch the legendary keyboardist in jazz mode at Joe Blue's on Thursday from 8-11 p.m.

Garibay also has his regular gig at Firehouse Pub & Grill on Friday at 9 p.m.